...and in the end, I never left you, Crow. You're the one who left me behind.

[He lets his sorrow cut through his conviction, for one wavering moment, before taking one more shaking breath to steel his nerves.]

But I still believe that everything between us has been fate. Whatever motives the people toying with our souls have, so be it— We've been given the chance to do this all again.

And I'm not failing you this time, Crow. This time...

[He lifts a hand to Crow's cheek, brushing some of those silvery bangs out of his face and turning his friend's face toward his.]

This time, you're coming back home with me. Where you belong.

[He leaves Crow no time to argue before he leans in, claiming Crow's lips with his own. It's rougher, more awkward than he intended, but he needs to do this.

Crow needs to know. And if Crow pushes him away now, so be it. He'll accept his failure. But he won't repeat his past life's mistakes.]